A Prince George couple – who loves cheering on the Cougars, enjoying local theatre, and working out at the University gym – are now facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.
After 52 years of marriage and eight since first recognizing his symptoms, Sandi and Florent Foucher are sharing their story to inspire small changes that can impact people living with dementia in the community.
“People don’t understand the struggles that are going on inside,” says Sandi, primary caregiver to Florent, who lives at home with the disease. “I don’t want to be negative when I see people. I want to be positive about something.”
“I want to be positive too,” says Florent, a very social person whose first symptom was trouble finding words.
Florent is among the 85,000 people living with dementia in British Columbia. If current trends continue, B.C. will see one of the most dramatic increases in the number of people facing the disease, with nearly 250,000 people in the province diagnosed by 2050.
This year Florent and Sandi are being honoured at the Northern B.C. IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, in Prince George for their contribution to the community and their desire to help other people affected by dementia.
Sandi and Florent found most people they told had the desire to help, but they lacked the knowledge to engage meaningfully with someone living with dementia.
Sandi now encourages others facing fresh diagnoses to connect their friends and families with the Society to gain the confidence to respond to someone living with dementia.
“After coming to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Northern Resource Centre workshops, I felt comforted by knowing more, being more prepared and knowing that it’s okay,” Sandi says. “As the stages progress, I gain more understanding of the disease.”
The walk takes place Sunday May 28 at YMCA of Northern B.C. (2020 Massey Dr.) with registration starting at 1 p.m. and walk time starting at 1:30 p.m.
To help make a difference in the lives of people like Florent and Sandi on their dementia journey in your community, visit walkforalzheimers.ca.
